The Channel

The Channel - a blog for Central Rivers AEA staff and board members blog site header

Author: lthomas

  • Friendly reminders about dress code for work

    Example of Business Casual

    In an effort to ensure that we present ourselves and the agency in the most positive light, here are are a few reminders about the expectations for professional dress.

    Monday-Thursday: Business casual (khakis/polos, dress pants, tops, etc.) to business professional (skirts, pant suits, etc.) depending on who your audience is for the day.

    If you are giving a presentation, you would probably choose business professional.  If you are simply working in the office, business casual is probably just fine (as well as a minimum expectation).

    Friday: Jeans are welcome (with a business professional top).  However, again, please remember who your audience is for the day and dress appropriately given your audience.

    Some general rules of thumb:

    • Please, no t-shirts.
    • No Flip-Flops. (Flip Flops are not the same as open-toed shoes.)
    • Athletic shoes are fine when you are going to/from a walk on your break but shouldn’t be worn on a daily basis around the office.

    If you have compelling reasons for requesting variance to the expected attire, please speak with your supervisor. Our hope is that we don’t have to spend a lot of time or energy on dress code issues as we all have much more impactful priorities that desire our attention!  Thanks for your cooperation. Questions? Contact your supervisor.

  • School District Calendars available for 2019-20

    The majority of the 2019-20 district calendars are now available online on the staff website under Resources > District Calendars. Continue to check back as the remaining calendars are submitted.

  • Congratulations to the Carlos O’Kelly’s gift basket winner

    Congratulations goes to Kathy Olson, Work Experience Coordinator who was the lucky winner in the drawing for the Carlos O’Kelly’s gift basket in honor of Cinco de Mayo!

  • Need some space for mindfulness?

    Each of our sites have added a space to practice mindfulness or to take a couple minutes to recalibrate your energy.  Please feel free to use on your break as your schedule allows within the parameters of your job and responsibilities. Should you have questions, please ask your supervisor. Be healthy, happy, and zen!

    Locations:

    • Marshalltown – room 137
    • Clear Lake – near the mother’s room
    • Cedar Falls – lower level, near the mother’s room

  • May board recap

    The Central Rivers AEA Board of Directors met on Wednesday, May 1. Board agendas and minutes can be found online. The next scheduled meeting will take place on Wednesday, June 5 in the Cedar Falls Conference Center.

  • Vande Kieft leaves legacy of service to AEA system

    Longtime board member Richard Vande Kieft passed away on Wednesday, November 7. He resigned from the Central Rivers Area Education Agency (AEA) Board of Directors on July 11 following an extended illness. Richard began serving on the board in 2008 and held the Director District 7 seat representing the school districts of Cedar Falls, Denver, and Janesville. In addition to serving on the AEA board, he also served 31 years on the Cedar Falls Community School District Board of Directors, including nine years as board president or vice president.

    At the state level, Richard served as a member of the board of directors of the Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) from 1993 to 2011. Elected to leadership positions of president-elect, president or treasurer of the association from 1998 to 2011. He served on the IASB Legislative Resolutions Committee, and also served and chaired the Board of Trustees for the Iowa Schools Joint Investment Trust (ISJIT), Iowa Schools Cash Anticipation Program (ISCAP).

    At the national level, Richard served as an Iowa representative to the NSBA Delegate Assembly and has served on both the Central Region and National Nominating Committees for NSBA directors and president.

    “Dick Vande Kieft is an incredible example of selfless service to the community,” said Sam Miller, Central Rivers AEA Chief Administrator. “He worked quietly behind the scenes for decades serving children, families, and educators in the Cedar Valley. His leadership will be sorely missed.”

    For information about arrangements as well as a complete obituary,  please visit http://www.dahlfuneralhome.com/obituary/richard-vande-kieft.

  • Fall Staff Letter from Human Resources

    An email was recently sent from HR regarding the annual review of agency policies and other informational items.  Included in this email was a link regarding mandatory trainings for Central Rivers AEA staff. Please take a moment and review the listing of mandatory trainings as they pertain to you. It is each staff member’s responsibility to keep up-to-date on these trainings.  If you have any questions, please contact the Human Resources Office at 319-273-8245.

  • Crazy Sock day